Golf practicing apparatus

ABSTRACT

A golf practicing apparatus includes a platform; a target mounted on the platform for receiving practice of golf shots; a display panel for indicating distance information, hook-slice information, and push-pull information; and electronic circuitry responsive to movement of the target for actuating the display panel. The target comprises a simulated golf ball and a stem which are supported for rotation about a first axis extending through the ball and the stem, a second axis extending perpendicularly to the first axis, and a third axis extending perpendicularly to the second axis and in the plane of the first axis. In operation, the speed of rotation of the target about the second axis is sensed to provide distance information, the direction and amount of rotation of the target about the first axis is sensed to provide hook-slice information, and the direction and amount of rotation of the target about the third axis is sensed to provide push-pull information. Rotation of the ball and stem about the first axis is detected by an assembly including a cam and conventional breaker point assemblies. Rotation about the second axis is detected by a system including a lamp assembly, a phototransistor, and a rotatable opaque shutter including two spaced apart holes which permit two sequential light pulses to reach the phototransistor. Rotation about the third axis is detected by a system including a lamp assembly and a rotatable opaque shutter which uncovers one or more phototransistors arranged in a V-shaped array.

United States Patent [1 1 Branz [52] U.S. Cl 273/185 D [51] Int. Cl A63b69/36 [58] Field of Search 273/176, 185, 200,

273/197, 184; 73/379 TB, 380 A, 381 G [56] References Cited UNITEDSTATES PATENTS 10/1970 Howell 273/185 D 11/1950 Smith 273/185 D PrimaryExaminer-George J. Marlo Attorney-Richards, Harris & Hubbard [57]ABSTRACT A golf practicing apparatus includes a platform; a targetmounted on the platform for receiving practice of golf shots; a displaypanel for indicating distance information, hook-slice information, andpush-pull informa- July3, 1973 tion; and electronic circuitry responsiveto movement of the target for actuating the display panel. The targetcomprises a simulated golf ball and a stem which are supported forrotation about a first axis extending through the ball and the stem, asecond axis extending perpendicularly to the first axis, and a thirdaxis extending perpendicularly to the second axis and in the plane ofthe first axis. in operation, the speed of rotation of the target aboutthe second axis is sensed to provide distance information, the directionand amount of rotation of the target about the first axis is sensed toprovide hook-slice information, and the direction and amount of rotationof the target about the third axis is sensed to provide push-pullinformation. Rotation of the ball and stem about the first axis isdetected by an assembly including a cam and conventional breaker pointassemblies. Rotation about the second axis is detected by a systemincluding a lamp assembly, a phototransistor, and a rotatable opaqueshutter includingtwo spaced apart holes which permit two sequentiallight pulses to reach the phototransistor. Rotation about the third axisis detected by a system including a lamp assembly and a rotatable opaqueshutter which uncovers one or more phototransistors arranged in aV-shaped array.

5 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJm 3 ms 3.743.296

FIG. 2

INVENTOR WELDON K. BRANZ ATTORNEYS Pmmsmm 3 ms 3.7431296 sum 02 0F 10INVENTOR WE LDON K. BRANZ ATTORNEYS PATENTEUJUL 3 I975 SEE! 030? R 0 T NE N N WELDON K. BRANZ ATTORNEYS mm mm GOLF PRACTICING APPARATUSBACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a golfpracticing apparatus, and more particularly to a device for analyzingpractice golf shots in terms of distance information, hook-sliceinformation and push-pull information.

It has long been realized that it would be advantageous to be able topractice golf shots in confined areas and/or in inclement weather. Tothis end, numerous attempts have been made at designing a workable golfpracticing apparatus. However, notwithstanding the fact thatconsiderable time and effort have been expended in this regard, most ofthe golf practicing devices that are presently commercially availableexhibit numerous disadvantageous characteristics.

For example, most prior art golf practicing devices include a simulatedgolf ball mounted for impact by a golf club, and structure forgenerating information as to how far a real golf ball would travel inresponse to the same impact. Typically, the simulated golf ball isreturned to the same orientation after each shot, so that the same sideof the simulated golf ball receives each impact. This causes rapiddeterioration of the impact receiving side of the simulated golf ball.

Another problem that is often encountered in the use of prior art golfpracticing devices is the rapid deterioration of the sensing mechanism.l-Ieretofore, it has been common either to connect the sensing mechanismdirectly to the simulated golf ball, or to mount the sensing mechanismfor impact by the simulated golf ball. In either case, the sensingmechanism is subject to repeated shocks,vibrations, etc., and istherefore extremely susceptable to damage.

Still another disadvantage in the use of many prior art golf practicingdevices relates to the inability of such devices to provide a completeanalysis of a practice golf shot. Early golf practicing devices wereequipped to provide distance information only. Somewhat later, golfpracticing apparatus capable of determining both how far a real golfball would have traveled and the extent to which it would have beenhooked or sliced were provided. Only very recently has there been anyattempt to design a golf practicing apparatus capable of providing allof the information that is necessary for the complete analysis of a golfshot, i.e., distance information, hook-slice information and push-pullinformation.

The present invention comprises an improved golf practicing apparatuswhich overcomes the foregoing and other disadvantages that arecharacteristic of the prior art. In accordance with the preferredembodiment of the invention a target includes a simulated golf ballmounted for impact by a golf club, and a stem fixed to the simulatedgolf ball. The target is supported for rotation about a first axis whichextends through the ball and the stem, about a second axis which extendsperpendicular to the plane of the first axis and a third axis whichextends perpendicular to the second axis and within the plane of thesecond axis. The invention further comprises structure for measuring thespeed of rotation of the target about the second axis and circuitry forgenerating a distance indicative signal in response thereto, andstructure for measuring both the amount and the direction of rotationabout the first and third axes and circuitry responsive to the lattermeasurements for generating error signals. Preferably, ad-

ditional circuitry is provided for altering the distance indicativesignal whenever rotation about either the first or the third axis isdetected.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A more complete understanding of theinvention may be had by referring to the following Detailed Descriptionwhen talten in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. I is a perspective view of a golf practicing apparatusincorporating the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the display panel of the golf practicingapparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of the assembly sequence of the golfpracticing apparatus;

FIG. d is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the target of thegolf practicing apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view taken generally along the line 5-- in FIG. 4 inthe direction of the arrows;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the target of the golf practicing apparatus;

FIG. '7 is aside view taken generally along the line 7-7 in FIG. 6; I

FIG. d is an end view taken generally along the line 8-8 in FIG. ti;

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a portion of the distance displaycircuitry of the invention;

FIG. It) is a schematic diagram of the nonlinear distance computationcircuitry of the invention;

FIG. II is a block diagram of the distance display circuitry of theinvention;

FIG. 12 is a graph illustrating the nonlinear relationship between thedisplayed distance and the pulses representative of time which aregenerated by the circuitry shown in FIGS. 9 and 10;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the push-pull computation and displaycircuitry of the invention,and

FIG. lid is a schematic diagram of the hook-slice and subtractioncomputation and display circuitry of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to the drawings, and particularly toFIG. I thereof, there is shown a golf practicing apparatus 20incorporating the present invention. The golf practicing apparatus 20comprises a platform 22 which preferably is of suitable size andconstruction to support a golfer. A target 24 is mounted in the platform22 and is normally positioned for impact by a conventionai golf clubthat has been driven by a golfer standing on the platform 22. Followingsuch an impact, distance information, hoolt-slice information andpush-pull information concerning the practice golf shot is indicated ona display panel 2.6. The golf practicing apparatus 20 may also beprovided with a conventional coin box 28, whereby money must be paidbefore the golf practicing apparatus 241! can be operated. It will beappreciated, however, that the coin box 28 may be replaced with aconventional on-off switch, if desired.

The display panel 26 of the golf practicing apparatus 20 is shown ingreater detail in FIG. 2. The display panel 26 includes a distance scale30 comprising a series of individual segments 32. A lamp is positionedbehind each segment 32, and selected lamps are actuated following impactof the target 24 'by a golf club to indi cate the distance that aconventional golf ball would have traveled in response to an identicalimpact. The

display panel 26 further includes a hook scale 34, a slice scale 36, apush scale 38, and a pull scale 40. Each of the scales 34-40 includesthree segments 42, and an individual lamp is positioned behind eachsegment 42. Following the impact of a golf club with the target 24, oneor more of the segments 42 of one or more of the scales 34-40 may beilluminated to indicate the extent to which a real golf ball would havebeen hooked or sliced in response to an identical impact, and/or theextent to which the practice golf shot was pushed or pulled.

The assembly sequence of the golf practicing apparatus is illustrated inFIG. 3. Initially, a frame 44, a plurality of stringers 46, and a bottom48 are assembled to form a base 50. The display panel 26 comprises aplate 52 which receives a lamp harness 54, and a cover 56 which ismounted on the plate 52. Similarly, the target 24 comprises a pivotassembly 58 which is mounted on a yoke 60, and a housing 62 whichreceives the yoke 60. Thereafter, the display panel 26 and the target 24are mounted in the base 50 and are combined with the coin box 28, aplurality of electronic circuit cards 64 and a power supply 66. The golfpracticing apparatus 20 is completed by joining a steel plate 68 and arubber pad 70 to a top 72, mounting a strip of artificial grass 74 onthe top 72 to form a cover assembly 76, and then mounting the coverassembly 76 on the base 50 to complete the platform 22.

The structural details of the target 24 of the golf practicing apparatus20 are illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 8. Referring particularly to FIG.4, the pivot assembly 58 of the target 24 comprises a simulated golfball 78 and a stem 80 which extends from the simulated golf ball 78 to apair of bearings 82. The simulated golf ball 78 and the stem 80 comprisea length of wire rope 84 having a pair of steel plugs 86 swaged to itsopposite ends, and a cover 88 which may be formed from polyurethane, orthe like. The bearings 82 are mounted in a cross shaft 90 and supportthe simulated golf ball 78 and the stem 80 for free rotation about afirst axis 92 extending axially through the simulated golf ball 78 andthe stem 80, and through the pivot point 94.

As is best shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the cross shaft 90 is supported inthe yoke 60 by a pair of bearings 96. The bearings 96 permit rotation ofthe simulated golf ball 78, the stem 80, the bearings 82 and the crossshaft 90 about a second axis 98 which extends through the pivot point 94and perpendicular to the first axis 92. A spring 100 is connectedbetween the cross shaft 90 and the yoke 60 and functions to provide arestoring force which returns the target to a position illustrated inFIG. 1 following impact of the target by a golf club.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 6, the yoke 60 comprises a U-shapedmember 102 which supports the bearings 96, and a cylindrical shaft 104which supports the U-shaped member 102. The housing 62 is supportedbetween two of the stringer 46 of the base 50 and includes a mountingblock 106. The mounting block 106 receives the shaft 104 and supportsthe yoke 60, the bearings 96, the cross shaft 90, the bearings 82, thestem 80, and the simulated golf ball 78 for rotation about a third axis108 which extends through the pivot point 94 perpendicular to the secondaxis 98, and in the plane of the first axis 92.

From the foregoing, it will be understood that the target 24 of the golfpracticing apparatus 20 comprises a simulated golf ball mounted forrotation about first,

second, and third axes. In the operation of the golf practicingapparatus 20, rotation of the simulated golf ball '78 about the axes 92,98 and 108 is employed to generate hook-slice information, distanceinformation, and push-pull information, respectively. More particularly,the speed of rotation of the simulated golf ball 78 about the secondaxis 98 is employed to generate distance information, the direction andamount of rotation of the simulated golf ball 78 about the first axis 92is employed to generate hook-slice information, and the direction andamount of rotation of the simulated golf ball 78 about the third axis108 is employed to generate push-pull information.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, a shutter 110 is secured to the end ofthe cross shaft remote from the spring 100. The shutter has a pair ofholes 1 12 and 114 formed in it and is positioned in a slot 116extending between a lamp assembly 1 l8 and a phototransistor 120. Theshutter 1 10 is opaque, and normally functions to prevent the passage oflight between the lamp assembly 118 and the phototransistor 120.However, upon impact of the simulated golf ball 78 by a golf club, thesimulated golf ball 78 and the stem 80 pivot clockwise (FIG. 7) aboutthe second axis 98 until the simulated golf ball strikes an impactdamper 122. During this action, the passage of light between the lampassembly 118 and the phototransistor 120 is permitted, first through thehole 112, and subsequently through the hole 114. The phototransistor 120generates an output pulse whenever light is permitted to pass to it fromthe lamp assembly 118 and the elapsed time between the two pulses thatare generated by the phototransistor 120 following impact of thesimulated golf ball 78 by a golf club is measured to determine the speedof rotation of the simulated golf ball 78 about the second axis 98.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a circular plate 124 is secured to the bottomof the cross shaft 90, and an octag-. onal cam 126 is secured to thebottom of the stem 80 for rotation therewith about the first axis 92. Apair of conventional automobile breaker point assemblies 128 and 130 aremounted on the plate 124 and are positioned for actuation by the cam126. It will be noted that whereas the breaker point assembly 128 ismounted in alignment with the second axis 98, the breaker point assembly130 is offset with respect to the axis 98. Because of this positioning,the breaker point assemblies 128 and 130 cooperate to generate acombined output which is indicative of both the direction and the amountof rotation of the simulated golf ball 78 about the first axis 92.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 8, the shutter 132 is secured t0 the shaft104 of the yoke 60 for rotation therewith about the third axis 108. Theshutter is positioned in a slot 134 formed between a lamp assembly 136,and a phototransistor array 138. As is best shown in FIG. 8, thephototransistor array 138 includes six phototransistors 13811-138] whichare positioned in a V-shaped array. The shutter 132 is opaque, andnormally prevents the passage of light between the lamp assembly 136 andthe phototransistor array 138. However, upon rotation on the shutterabout the third axis 108, one or more of the phototransistors l38a-l38fis uncovered, and by this means an output indicative of both the amountand the direction of rotation of the simulated golf ball 78 about thethird axis 108 is generated.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-14, the electrical circuitry of the inventionis illustrated. The electrical circuitry is connected between the targetmovement sensing structure previously described and the display panel 26in order to visually indicate distance information, hook sliceinformation, and push-pull information. Referring now to FIG. 9, thephototransistor 120 is connected to an input of an AND gate 150. Theoutput of the gate 150 is connected through an inverter 152 to a controlterminal of a flip-flop 154. The Q terminal of the flipflop 154 isconnected to a flip-flop 156 and also to an input of a NAND gate 158.The second input of the NAND gate 158 is connected to a free runningoscillator 160 comprising series connected inverters 162 and 164, apotentiometer 166, an inverter 168 and a capacitor 170. The oscillator160 generates a series of clock pulses at about 500 KHz which areapplied to the input of the gate 158. The potentiometer 166 may bevaried in order to vary the frequency of the oscillator 160.

The output of the gate 158 is connected to the input of a register 172,the output of which is applied upon a series of terminals l74a-d. Theoutput 174d is applied to the input of a second register 176. Theregister 176 includes output terminals 178ad. The output terminal 178 ofthe register 176 is connected to the input of a third register 180.Registers 172, 176 and 180 comprise, for example, Model 8281A four bitcounters manufactured and sold by Signetics.

In the operation of the circuitry thus described, the phototransistor120 generates a pulse each time one of the holes 112 or 114 in theshutter 110 become aligned with the light beam from the lamp assembly118. These pulses are applied through the gate 150 which provides asmoothing action to the rising voltage of the phototransistor 120. Theinverter 152 inverts the pulse and applies the pulse to the flip-flop154 which then toggles. The 0 output of the flip-flop 154 goes high fora prescribed period upon the interception of the first pulse in a cyclefrom the phototransistor 120. This high state allows the clock pulsesfrom the oscillator 160 to be applied through the gate 158 to theregister 172 which then stores counts from the oscillator 160. Uponreception of the second pulse from the phototransistor 120 due to thepassage of the hole 114 through the light beam from the lamp assembly,the Q output from the flip-flop 154 goes low to turn the NAND gate 158off. The count thus stored in the registers 172, 176 and 180 isinversely proportional to the velocity of the target 24.

When the 0 output of the flip-flop 154 goes low, the flip-flop 156 istoggled. The 6 output of the flip-flop 156 goes low to thus provide aninhibit signal which is applied via a terminal 190 to the inhibitcircuitry shown in FIG. 13. The Q output from the flip-flop 7156 is alsoapplied via a lead 192 to the input ofa NAND gate 194. The 0 output offlip-flop 156 is connected via a lead 196 to inputs of the AND gate 150in order to inhibit operation of the distance determining circuitry forthe remainder of a cycle. In effect, the gate 150 is allowed to onlypass two pulses from the phototransistor 120 until a suitable resetsignal is applied in the manner to be subsequently described. The 6inhibit signal from the flip-flop 156'is also applied to terminal 198for application to the hook-slice determining circuitry of the inventionwhich is shown in FIG. 14.

The 6 output from flip-flop 154 is applied to a one shot multivibrator200 which operates to control the reset circuitry of the invention. Theoutput of the multivibrator 200 is applied to the second input of theNAND gate 19d, the output of which is applied through an inverter 202 toprovide a reset signal to the pushpull circuit shown in FIG. 13 via aterminal 204. The output of gate I94 is also connected to the inputs ofa NAND gate 206 which provides an output which is applied through a trioof inverters 208, 210 and 212. A reset signal is thus applied from thegate 206 via a terminal 2M to the subtract circuitry shown in FIG. 14. Areset signal is applied from the inverter 208 which is applied to thehook-slice circuit shown in FIG. 14 via a terminal 216. A reset signalis applied from the output of the inverter 210 to the subtract circuitryshown in FIG. lid via a terminal 218. A reset signal is applied from theoutput of the inverter 212 to the distance dis play circuitry shown inFIG. 11 via a terminal 220.

The output from the oscillator is also applied via a lead 230 to theinput of a NAND gate 232, the output of which is connected via aterminal 234 to the circuitry shown in FIG. 10. The second input of thegate 232 is connected to the terminal 236 to receive subtract pulsesignals from the subtract circuit shown in FIG. 1d.

The output of the gate 232 is connected to an input of a NAND gate 240,the output oflwhich is connected to the inputs of a NAND gate 242. Theoutput of the gate M2 is applied to a terminal 244 for application tothe display circuitry shown in FIG. 11. The second input of the gate 240is connected to a terminal 246 to receive an inhibit signal from thecircuitry shown in FIG. I0. i

The outputs of the register are interconnected as shown to the inputs ofa pair of inverters 250 and 252, a pair of NOR gates 254 and 256, and aNAND gate 258. The output of gate 254 is connected through a NOR gate260 to a terminal 262 for connection to the circuitry shown in FIG. 10.The output of the gate 256 is fed through an inverter 264 to a terminal266 also for application to the circuitry shown in FIG. 10. The outputof the gate 256 is also fed to the inputs of a NOR gate 260, the outputof which is applied to a terminal 270 for application to the circuitryshown in FIG. 10. The output of the gate 258 is connected to a terminal272 for application to the circuitry shown in FIG. 10. The output of theNAND gate 258 is connected through a NAND gate 280 to a terminal 282 forapplication of the gated clock pulse signals to the distance computationcircuitry shown in FIG. 10.

The outputs from the register 172 are applied via the terminals 1l74rt-dto an inline decoder 300 shown in FIG. I0. The outputs from the register176 are applied via the terminals 178a-d to a second inline decoder 302.Referring to FIG. 10, the inline decoders 300 and 302 decode the binaryoutputs from the registers 172 and I76 into decimal data. Suitableinline decoders for use as circuits 300 and 302 are Model SN74 l 54decoders manufactured and sold by Texas Instruments Incorporated ofDallas, Tex. The decoded outputs from the decoders 300 and 302 areinterconnected to the inputs of various ones of twenty-four NOR gates304a-x. The outputs of the gates 30411-4 are connected through inverters306a-l, the outputs of which are tied to the terminal M6. The outputs ofthe gates 304m-x are connectcd through inverters 306m-x to the terminal234. The counts in the registers 172 and 176 are inversely proportionalto the velocity of the target 24. The circuitry shown in FIG. 10 decodesthis data to provide output signals proportionally representative of thedistance that a real golf ball would travel in response to the sameimpact that was applied to the target 24.

The graph shown in FIG. 12 represents the relationship between thenumber of pulses applied to the decode circuitry of FIG. and thedistance in yards that a real golf ball would travel. As an example,1,023 counts applied to the decode circuitry is representative of adistance of 100 yards, while a count of 310 counts is representative of330 yards of travel. The circuitry shown in FIG. 10 is interconnected toprovide outputs representative of distance in accordance with the graphshown in FIG. 12. A synchronizing signal for the system is applied fromthe circuitry shown in FIG. 9 via a terminal 282.

The counts are derived by the decode circuitry in the following manner.As an example, a logic high upon the terminal 270 is representative of256 counts. Six counts are added from terminal 7 of the decoder 300,while 48 counts are derived from terminal 4 of the decoder 302. Therespective inputs to the gate 3040 are thus representative of 256 6 48,which equals the 310 counts required to be counted by the system beforethe gate 304a generates a true output through the inverter 306a forapplication to the display circuitry. The remainder of the gates 304b-xare operated in a similar manner to provide predetermined count logicoperation according to the curve shown in FIG. 12.

The gates 304b-x go true when additional pulses are stored in theregisters. A series of nonlinearly spaced output pulses are thusprovided on the terminals 246 and 234 which are applied to the inputs ofa summing NAND gate 240 shown in FIG. 9. The output of the gate 240 isinverted by the gate 242 and is applied to a distance display register310 shown in FIG. 11 via the terminal 244. The register 310 is connectedin series with a second register 312 and a third shift register 314. Theregisters 310 and 312 comprise ten bit shift registers such as the Model8202 shift registers manufactured and sold by Signetics. The register314 comprises a four bit shift register such as the Model 8271 registermanufactured and sold by Signetics. The registers 310-314 are initiallyset to zero at the beginning of a cycle through a reset signal appliedthrough the terminal 220 from the reset circuitry. As the distancepulses arrive via the terminal 244, voltage is shifted down through theregisters.

The outputs of the register 310 are'applied to respective ones of aseries of transistor lamp drivers 316a-e, while the outputs of a shiftregister 312 are applied to a series of transistor lamp drivers 3l6f-j.The four outputs from the shift register 314 are applied to a series oftransistor lamp drivers 316k-l. The lamp drivers 316a-l may comprise theModel SN7545l lamp drivers manufactured and sold by Texas InstrumentsIncorporated. Each of the lamp drivers controls the operation of a pairof lamps. The transistor lamp drivers 316a-l thus control the operationof a series of lamps 318a-x. The lamps 318a-x are disposed underneaththe individual segments 32 of the display panel 26 shown in FIG. 2 inorder to provide a visual indication of the distance imparted to thetarget 24. For example, the lamp 318x would be illuminated to provide anindication of a drive of 100 yards, while the lamps 318s-x would beilluminated to provide an indication of a drive of 150 yards. All of thelamps 318a-x would be illuminated to indicate a drive of 330 yards.

The shift registers 310-314 are not shifted until a threshold count of310 is reached by the circuitry shown in FIG. 10. The lamp drivers3l6a-l are normally disabled so that none of the lamps 3l8ax arenormally illuminated. During an operational cycle of the system, theregisters 310-314 store the counts provided by the circuitry shown inFIGS. 9 and 10. After the count applied to the registers 310-314 isterminated, none of the lamps 318a-x is yet energized due to the facethat a signal applied to terminal 320 maintains each of the lamp drivers3160-1 in a nonenergized condition. The lamp drivers 316a-l aremaintained in the off condition until a subtract signal is applied fromthe subtract circuitry, as will be later described. After the receptionof the subtract signal, selected lamp drivers 316a-l are energized inorder to illuminate the desired lamps.

A reset signal is applied to the distance display circuitry via aterminal 220. The one-shot multivibrator 200 shown in FIG. 9, which maycomprise either a seven or a ten second period one shot, automaticallygenerates a reset signal for resetting all of the flip-flops andregisters of the system to zero after the completion of the cycle.

Referring now to FIG. 13, the push-pull circuitry of the invention willbe described. The push-pull phototransistor array 138, previouslydescribed with respect to FIG. 6, generates output signals in responseto movement of the shutter 132. When the shutter 132 is rotated out ofthe beam of light emanating from the lamp assembly 136, respective onesof the phototransistors in the array 138 are energized to generateelectrical output signals. Each of the transistors in the array 138 areconnected to a respective one of the three input AND gates 350-360 shownin FIG. 13. The output of the gate 350 is applied to an input of a NORgate 362. The gate 362 is interconnected with a NOR gate 364 in a latchconfiguration. Gate 364 receives at one input the reset signal appliedvia the terminal 204 from FIG 9. The output of gate 362 is applied to aninput of a transistor lamp driver 366 for control of a lamp 368a. Theoutput of the gate 364 is connected to a terminal 370a to provide anindication of the pull-3 signal.

The output of an AND gate 352 is applied to a pair of latchinterconnected NOR gates 372, the output of one of the gates beingconnected to control the transistor lamp driver 366 for control of thelamp 368b. The output of the second one of the gates 372 is connected toa terminal 37% to provide an indication of the pull-2 signal. Similarly,the output of gate 354 is connected to a pair of latch interconnectedNOR gates 374, one of the outputs thereof being connected to atransistor driver 376 for control of the operation of a lamp 368a. Theother output of the gates 374 is connected to a terminal 3700 for anindication of a pull-l signal.

Latch interconnected gates 378 operate to control the operation of alamp 380a and provide a signal via a terminal 382a representative of apush-l signal. Latch interconnected NOR gates 384 control the operationof a transistor lamp driver 386 for control of the energization of alamp 380b. The gates 384 also provide an output signal via a terminal382b representative of the push-2 signal. Latch interconnected NOR gates388 operate the lamp'driver 386 for control of a lamp 380s and generatea signal via a terminal 382a representative of the push-3 signal.Interconnected NOR gates 374 also provide a signal via a terminal 390representative of a pull signal and gates 278 provide a push signal viaa terminal 392.

Gates 374 provide a signal via a lead 394 to the input of a NAND gate396, the output of which is applied to the inputs of a trio of gates356, 358 and 360. Gates 378 are connected via a lead 398 to a NAND gate400, the output of which is connected to inputs of the gates 350, 352and 354. An inhibit signal is applied from the circuitry shown in FIG. 9via a terminal 190 to a NAND gate 402, the output of which is applied toa terminal 404 for connection with the circuitry shown in FIG. 14. Theoutput of a gate 402 is also connected to inputs of each of the gates350-360. An inhibit signal from the circuitry shown in FIG. 9 is appliedthrough the terminal 198 to an input of a one-shot multivibrator 406,the output of which is connected to an input of the gate 402.

In operation of the push-pull circuitry shown in FIG. 13, thephototransistor array 138 generates output signals which are applied tothe gates 350-360 representative of the magnitude of the push or pullforce imparted to the target 24. The transistor lamp drivers 366, 376and 386 are thus controlled to selectively energize one of the lamps368a-c to indicate the three various stages of a pull, while lamps380a-c are selectively energized to indicate the magnitude of pushimparted to the target. A reset signal applied to terminal 204 resetsthe NOR gates to zero after the completion of a cycle of operation. Thegates 396 and 400 provide a feedback inhibit signal so that bouncing ofthe target 24 does not provide the opposite of 'a push or pull as anindication, an allows only the initial indication of a push or pull tobe visually indicated.

The signals applied to the terminals 370a-c, 382a-c, 390 and 392 areapplied to the circuitry shown in FIG. 14 for utilization in thesubtract portion of the system. The inhibit signals applied to theterminals 190, 198 and 404 operate to inhibit further operation after apreselected time interval.

Referring to FIG. 14, the hook-slice display circuitry and thesubtraction circuitry is illustrated. The breaker point assemblies 128and 130 are closed in the manner previously described in order toindicate hook-slice movement of the target 24. The breaker pointassemblies 128 and 130 are offset from one another in order to indicatethe direction of rotation of the target 24 around the first axis 92. Inoperation of the breaker point assemblies, one of the assemblies isdesignated as a reference switch. When the output from the switch ishigh and the output from the second switch makes a negative transition,one direction of rotation is indicated. When the reference switch outputis low and the second switch makes a negative transition, the oppositedirection of rotation is indicated.

While the breaker point assemblies 128 and 130 have been illustrated foruse in one embodiment of the invention, it should be understood thatother, preferably nonmechanical sensing devices could be utilized withthe system. For instance, magnetic pickups/or electrooptics could beutilized in place of the breaker point assemblies 128 and 130.

The two breaker point assemblies 128 and 130 are connected to inputs ofa pair of AND gates 420 and 422, respectively. The gates 420 and 422'smooth up the transition signals from the breaker point assemblies toprovide a smooth output signal. The output of the gate 420 is applied tothe inputs of a NAND gate 424,

the output of which is connected through an AND gate 426 to an input ofa NAND gate 428. Logic from the circuitry shown in FIG. 9 is applied toan input of gate 426 from the terminal 198. The output of the gate 422is also applied to an input of a gate 428. The number of pulse outputsfrom the gate 422 are applied to a four-bit counter 430 for counting.The output of the counter 430 is applied through abinary to 16 decoder432, which may comprise for example, a Model SN74154 decodermanufactured and sold by Texas Instruments Incorporated.

The output from the decoder 432 is applied through either PRO or AMATEURoutputs from the decoder 432. Switches are provided to select either thePRO or the AMATEUR outputs for selection of the amount of hook or slicewhich is displayed. The output from the decoder 432 is applied to theinputs of a series of NAND gate latch circuits 434, 436, and 438. Theout put of gate 428 is applied to a NAND gate latch configuration 440.The outputs of the latches 434-440 are applied to respective ones of aseries of the NAND gates 442-452. The outputs of the gates 442 and 444are applied to a dual transistor lamp driver 454 which controls theoperation of a hook-l lamp 456 and a hook-2 lamp 458. The outputs of thegates 446 and 448 are applied through a dual transistor lamp driver 460for control of a hook-3 lamp 462 and a slice-l lamp The outputs of thegates 450 and 452 are applied through a dual transistor lamp driver 466for control of a slice-2 lamp 468 and a slice-3 lamp 470. Outputs fromeach of the transistor lamp drivers 454, 460 and 466 are also applied toa terminal 474 for application to the circuitry shown in FIG. 11 forcontrol of the distance display circuitry. The hook-slice lamps 456,458, 462, 464, 468 and 470 are located underneath the segments 42 of thehook-slice display 34 of the display panel 26.

In operation of the hook-slice circuit, when the gate 428 goes true inresponse to one direction of rotation of the target 24, a hook of thetarget 24 is indicated. The latch 440 thus goes true to enable the gates442, 446 and 448 to go high in response to an output from the decoder432. The output from the decoder 432 determines which of the lamps456-462 are energized, with a low count energizing only the latch 434 toilluminate only the lamp 456, and with a high count energizing each ofthe latches 434-438 to energize each of the lamps 456, 458 and 462.Conversely, if the gate 428 does not go true, a slice is indicated andthe gates 448 and 452 are prepared for indication of a slice. Themagnitude of the value stored in the decoder 432 then determines whichof the latches 434-438 are energized to control the energization of theslice lamps 464-470.

Referring again to FIG. 14, the subtract portion of the circuitry willnow be described. The outputs from gates 442-452 are applied through aplurality of inverters 500-510 for application to inputs of a pluralityof exclusive OR gates 512-522. Push and pull indicators derived from thecircuitry shown in FIG. 13 are applied through the terminals 382a-c and370a-c to the gates 5112-522. The interconnections of the gates 5112-522are made according to the fact that a push tends to negate a hook, whilea pull tends to negate a slice of the target 24. Therefore, theexclusive OR gates 5112-522 tend to compensate a slice and a pull, or ahook and a push. That is, if a hook-l and a push-l signal are pres cut,no output appears from the gate 512. However, if only a hook signal isapplied to the gate 512, a high output is applied to a shift register530 for storage. Similar logic applies for gates 514 and 522.

The outputs of the gates 512-518 are stored in a register 530, while theoutputs of gates 520 and 522 are stored in the register 532. The outputsfrom the register 530 are applied to terminal 236 for application to thedistance display circuit shown in FIG. 9. The signals are summed at thegate 232. As the subtract pulses are negative, the pulses tend tosubtract from the final magnitude display by the distance lamps 318a-x.

Hook and slice signals are also applied to a NAND gate 550, the outputof which is connected to a transistor lamp driver 552 which controls theoperation of a flag 554 and a green lamp 556. If no push or pull isapplied to the target 24, the gate 550 goes low to enable the lampdriver 552 to illuminate the flag lamp 554. If a push or pull is appliedto the target 24, the lamp 554 will not be illuminated. If no push orpull is applied to the target 24, and an indication is received on aterminal 560 from the distance circuitry shown on FIG. 11 indicatingthat the target has been hit with an impact sufficient to drive a realgolf ball 330 yards, exclusive OR gates 562 operate through a NAND gate566 to cause the green lamp 556 to become illuminated. If the target isnot hit at least 330 yards, or if the target is not hit straight, thegreen light 556 will not be illuminated.

A delayed inhibit signal is fed to the terminal 404 from the circuitryshown in FIG. 13 to a one-shot multivibrator 570. The Q output of themultivibrator 570 is connected to registers 530 and 532 The 6 output ofthe multivibrator 570 is applied to the inputs of a pair of NAND gates572 and 574. A reset pulse is applied via a terminal 218 from thecircuitry shown in FIG. 9 to an input of a NAND gate 576. The gate 576is interconnected in a latch configuration with the gate 572. A clocksignal from the oscillator 160 shown in FIG. 9 is applied via a terminal580 to one of the inputs of the gate 574. The output of the gate 574 isinterconnected with the registers 530 and 532. The output of the gate576 is connected to the light enable terminal 320.

In operation, the one-shot multivibrator 570 provides a predeterminedamount of time for the push-pull circuitry to settle prior to theinitiation of the subtraction operation. After settling of the push-pullcircuitry, a light enable signal is applied via a lead 584 to shift datainto the shift register 530, while the latch arrangement comprising thegates 572 and 576 provides clock shift pulses via a lead 586 to theregisters 530 and 532. When the latch comprising the gates 572 and 576goes true, a light enable signal is applied via the terminal 320 whichgoes back to the circuitry shown in FIG. 11 to enable the energizing ofthe distance indicating lamps 318a-x.

It will thus be seen that the present invention provides a golfpracticing apparatus which visually displays accurate information withregard to the distance, hook or slice, and the push or pull forces thatare imparted to the target 24. The present golf practicing apparatus isextremely reliable in operation, due to the manner of detection oftarget motion, and also due to the use of solid state circuitry in thecompuation and display por tions of the system. The present golfpracticing system provides an accurate indication of the actual distancewhich is imparted to the ball target by the use of the subtractioncircuitry of the invention which subtracts when the ball is hooked,sliced, pushed or pulled. In ad dition, the present invention includescircuitry which compensates for various combinations of hook-slice andpush-pull with respect to the distance computation. The reset and enablecircuitry of the present system prevents false indications due tobouncing or other movement of the target after the initial impact.Finally, the mounting of the simulated golf ball for free rotation aboutthe first axis, and the use of remote sensing to detect movement aboutthe second and third axes results in a golf practicing apparatus that isextremely durable and trouble-free in operation.

Although the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustratedin the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoingspecification, it will be understood that the invention is not limitedto the embodiment disclosed, but is capable of rearrangement,modification and substitution of parts and elements without departingfrom the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A golf practicing apparatus comprising:

a target comprising a simulated golf ball and a stem dependingtherefrom;

a shaft extending perpendicularly to the stem of the target;

first bearing means for supporting the end of the stem of the targetremote from the simulated golf ball on the midportion of the shaft andfor permitting free rotation of the ball and the stem about a first axisextending therethrough;

a yoke comprising a pair of opposed bifurcations extending from asupporting end;

second bearing means for supporting the opposite ends of the shaft onthe bifurcations of the yoke and for permitting pivotal movement of theshaft, the first bearing means, and the stem and the simulated golf ballof the target about a second axis extending through the shaft;

third bearing means for supporting the end of the yoke remote from thebifurcations and for permitting pivotal movement of the yoke, the secondbearing means, the shaft, the first bearing means, and the stem and thesimulated golf ball of the target about a third axis extending throughthe yoke; and

remote sensing means wholly independent of any physical contact with theyoke and responsive to pivotal movement of the yoke about the third axisfor generating an error signal.

2. The golf practicing apparatus according to claim 1 furthercharacterized by means for generating electromagnetic waves, means forreceiving the electromagnetic waves and for producing an output inresponse thereto, and means for effecting the receipt of electromagneticwaves by the receiving means in accordance with pivotal relationship ofthe yoke to the third axis.

3. The golf practicing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the remotesensing means comprises a shutter secured to the yoke for rotationtherewith and photoelectric means responsive to the positioning of theshutter for generating the error signal.

4. The golf practicing apparatus according to claim 3 wherein thephotoelectric means comprises a plurality of photosensing membersmounted in a V-shaped array and light means for illuminating thephotosensitive means, and wherein the shutter is adapted for movementbetween the light means and the photosensitive means to progressivelyexpose the photosensitive means to illumination from the light means inaccordance with ,the rotation of the yoke about the third axis.

tending perpendicularly to the first axis, and structure engaging thesupporting end of the yoke for supporting the yoke, the shaft and thetarget for pivotal movement about a third axis extending perpendicularlyto the sec- 5. In a golf practicing apparatus of the type including 0ndaxis, the improvement comprising:

a target comprising a simulated golf ball supported on a stem, structureincluding a shaft extending perpendicularly to the stem for supportingthe target for rotation about the first axis extending through the stemand the simulated golf ball, structure including a yoke having asupporting end and a pair of opposed bifurcations which receive theshaft for supporting the shaft and the target for pivotal movement abouta second axis exmeans for generating an electromagnetic signal;

means responsive to the electromagnetic signal for producing an output;and

means for effecting the receipt of the electromagnetic signal by thesignal responsive means in accordance with the pivotal positioning ofthe yoke relative to the third axis.

1. A golf practicing apparatus comprising: a target comprising asimulated golf ball and a stem depending therefrom; a shaft extendingperpendicularly to the stem of the target; first bearing means forsupporting the end of the stem of the target remote from the simulatedgolf ball on the midportion of the shaft and for permitting freerotation of the ball and the stem about a first axis extendingtherethrough; a yoke comprising a pair of opposed bifurcations extendingfrom a supporting end; second bearing means for supporting the oppositeends of the shaft on the bifurcations of the yoke and for permittingpivotal movement of the shaft, the first bearing means, and the stem andthe simulated golf ball of the target about a second axis extendingthrough the shaft; third bearing means for supporting the end of theyoke remote from the bifurcations and for permitting pivotal movement ofthe yoke, the second bearing means, the shaft, the first bearing means,and the stem and the simulated golf ball of the target about a thirdaxis extending through the yoke; and remote sensing means whollyindependent of any physical contact with the yoke and responsive topivotal movement of the yoke about the third axis for generating anerror signal.
 2. The golf practicing apparatus according to claim 1further characterized by means for generating electromagnetic waves,means for receiving the electromagnetic waves and for producing anoutput in response thereto, and means for effecting the receipt ofelectromagnetic waves by the receiving means in accordance with pivotalrelationship of the yoke to the third axis.
 3. The golf practicingapparatus according to claim 1 wherein the remote sensing meanscomprises a shutter secured to the yoke for rotation therewith andphotoelectric means responsive to the positioning of the shutter forgenerating the error signal.
 4. The golf practicing apparatus accordingto claim 3 wherein the photoelectric means comprises a plurality ofphotosensing members mounted in a V-shaped array and light means forilluminating the photosensitive means, and wherein the shutter isadapted for movement between the light means and the photosensitivemeans to progressively expose the photosensitive means to illuminationfrom the light means in accordance with the rotation of the yoke aboutthe third axis.
 5. In a golf practicing apparatus of the type includinga target comprising a simulated golf ball supported on a stem, structureincluding a shaft extending perpendicularly to the stem for supportingthe target for rotation about the first axis extending through the stemand the simulated golf ball, structure including a yoke having asupporting end and a pair of opposed bifurcations which receive theshaft for supporting the shaft and the target for pivotal movement abouta second axis extending perpendicularly to the first axis, and structureengaging the supporting end of the yoke for supporting the yoke, theshaft and the target for pivotal movement about a third axis extendingperpendicularly to the second axis, the improvement comprising: meansfor generating an electromagnetic signal; means responsive to theelectromagnetic signal for producing an output; and means for effectingthe receipt of the electromagnetic signal by the signal responsive meansin accordance with the pivotal positioning of the yoke relative to thethird axis.